My cat's large hairball is stuck. Food didn't work, what's next?

I am so sorry your cats are having this issue. I would recommend Science Diet Hairball formula, daily doses of cat lax (for hairballs) or laxatone and also grooming with the furminator (https://www.chewy.com/b/grooming-432?rh=c:432,furminator&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwp_UBRD7ARIsAMie3XZdkVx70Hb8gu2MvY0srwTUNZ10qOh6_HD4sbUFYgvyY37qXt1rcVwaApngEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds). Unfortunately, this is all you can do at home. If Mila is coughing, not vomiting and non of that is working then I would be concerned about asthma. This would require a veterinarian to listen to her and see if her lungs sound asthmatic. If so then giving her an appropriate treatment. Thank you for using PetCoach.

If Lilly has gone more than 24 hours without eating, she should be seen by the vet. For regular maintenance use, if Lilly has a tendency to get upset stomach from hairballs I recommend using a hairball supplement such as this one: Remedies_SMRT-_-Product_Listing_Ads-_-Smart_Shopping&kpid=go_6526132049_75197113101_383951179912_pla-709770020843_c&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY19_SBU04_Cat_Supplements Remedies_SMRT&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aOl6aeR6AIVSrzACh2xjgDAEAQYAiABEgLvL_D_BwE I also recommend brushing Lilly daily so she ingests less hair.

Hi there. Poor Mittens! Unfortunately with her history I would highly recommend having her seen as soon as possible-she could be blocked (it actually sounds like she is). It is possible she could pass it with laxatives and iv fluids without surgery (your vet would have to do x rays to determine this). The sooner she gets checked out the better if it's already been a while. I hope all goes well and my best to you both!

I think that it is time to take Antonio in to see a veterinarian. He might have eaten something else which is causing an obstruction in his intestines. It is rare, but there have been some cats that need medical (or even surgical) intervention for a very large hair ball. If he is lethargic, it is time for him to be seen. They will do a thorough exam and maybe some diagnostics. Then they can develop a treatment plan to get him feeling better. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and thanks for posting! You can also try regular plain canned pumpkin puree on to of her food. This can sometimes help with mild episodes of constipation. Making sure Baby gets enough water each day is important too. Cats tend to prefer drinking from a running water source. Sometimes cat fountains can be helpful at encouraging water consumption in cats. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for posting! Hard stool can certainly be an indication of constipation and while a hairball formula can help, you can also try a higher fiber diet (one that is formulated for hairball control) or just give a few teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food which can help. However, if she is not eating and is acting lethargic, you may want to take her in to see a veterinarian to get checked out. Sometimes underlying health conditions such as liver or kidney disease or certain endocrine problems like diabetes can cause dehydration and can lead to harder stools and episodes of constipation as well as decreased appetite and lethargy. Certainly worth a veterinary visit if the hairball cream doesn't seem to be making a difference in her appetite or energy level. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The hairball oral treatment is about the best you can do at home. If he doesn't go after say 24-48 hrs and continues to vomit then he will require an enema to remove the hardened feces in his colon, poor guy. I would caution about using over the counter enema's, because if they contain phosphate they are extremely toxic to cats, so it is best to have you vet perform this if needed. For long term maintenance you may want to consider keeping Blazer on a fiber supplement and/or a hairball formula food.